Divine wind causing havoc with Toyota

Toyota is reporting a nearly disastrous profit forecast for the business year to March 31, 2012; operating profits are now expected to be down about 57 percent and net profits down 56 percent.

CNBC reports the original forecast had the automaker’s profits at 450 billion yen, but following Thailand flooding, a surging yen and continued problems from Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, the correction stands at 200 billion yen, or $2.6 billion.

The story also notes that Toyota will lose its status as the world’s top automobile seller to General Motors this year.